3Com 5104M-FL1 Understanding the General Rules, Seven Basic Network Rules

Understanding the General Rules

This section describes general rules for configuring an Ethernet network using fiber as the backbone medium. It also provides rules to ensure that your network configuration conforms to distance limitations imposed by Ethernet and networking equipment. Use these guidelines for building your network.

Refer to the sections that follow for specific rules for:

❑Determining maximum 10BASE-FL fiber link distances

❑Connecting various horizontal media types(10BASE-FL, 10BASE-T) to a 10BASE-FL backbone

❑Examples of recommended fault-tolerant configurations

Basic Network Rules

This section outlines the basic network rules and the 3Com recommendations for these rules. For additional hardware-specific information on this module, refer to Appendix A.

Table 2-1 outlinesthe seven basic rules to keep in mind when you construct your network.

Table 2-1. Seven Basic Network Rules

Rule	Definition	Recommendations/Notes
1	If possible, use	Use 62.5 micron cable to conform with
	10BASE-FB as the	the IEEE 10BASE-F and upcoming ANSI
	backbone medium.	FDDI standards.
		Use ST-type connectors.

2 - 2 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FL Installation and Operation Guide